ASEAN countries show growing interest in BRICS amid push for strategic autonomy: Report

Source: Lokmat Times | Original Published At: 2026-09-27 14:50:58 UTC

Key Points

• The report by India Narrative says the 18th BRICS Summit, held in New Delhi under India’s chairship, renewed attention to BRICS’ relevance among ASEAN countries.
• ASEAN’s interest in BRICS is described as part of a broader effort to diversify economic and diplomatic partnerships without adopting a ‘West vs. the rest’ binary.
• Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. attended the summit as ASEAN Chair and Outreach Country and said ASEAN nations would engage with BRICS on peace, inclusive growth, sustainable development and a rules-based international order.
• Vietnam, a BRICS partner country since 2025, sees engagement with BRICS as a way to strengthen the voice of developing countries and diversify markets and partners while maintaining ties with China, the United States, Japan and Europe.
• Malaysia, another BRICS partner state, views BRICS as an avenue to expand economic and diplomatic engagement with major emerging markets amid global economic uncertainty.
• Indonesia, the sole ASEAN member of BRICS, sees the grouping as a platform to strengthen the voice of the Global South and promote more resilient global trade and supply chains.
• The report says growing ASEAN interest in BRICS could create opportunities for India to deepen engagement with Southeast Asian economies and help ensure BRICS remains a platform for broader Global South cooperation.